6 May 2009

Firefighters are urging people to check their smoke alarms following two house fires this morning, where only one had a working smoke alarm fitted.

Three appliances and crews from Aylesbury were called to a fire in a single-storey house in Silk Street, Waddesdon, at 6.17am.

The occupant was woken by a smoke alarm, which had been fitted by Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, and was able to get out safely.

Firefighters prevented the fire spreading to the rest of the house using two hose reels and four sets of breathing apparatus.

Earlier, at 3am, two appliances and crews from High Wycombe were called to a fire in a bedroom in Telford Way, Downley. It is believed the fire started from a candle left burning, and although the fire was out on arrival, the house was heavily smoke-logged.

There was a smoke alarm in the house but it was not working. Fortunately the occupants were able to get out of the house safely.

The crews then fitted three smoke alarms at the High Wycombe property.

Terry Ridgley, head of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's Community Safety team, said: "Nationally, 80 per cent of the population own smoke alarms, but statistics show that in one in every eight house fires attended by fire and rescue services, the smoke alarm failed to work, largely due to flat or missing batteries.

"When fires break out, which is often during the night, smoke alarms provide a vital early warning sign - indeed, they are often your ONLY warning. Don't put yourself or your family at risk for the sake of a battery."

He added: "A house fitted with working smoke detectors - and people reacting to them - gives us a much better chance of saving lives."

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service will carry out a free safety check of your home and fit free smoke detectors where necessary.

Smoke alarms detect fires at their earliest stages and give a loud warning to help you and your family to get out safely.

Ring 01296 744477 or send an email to cs@bucksfire.gov.uk to book an appointment.

Advice if you are fitting your own smoke alarms:

• Fit one smoke detector to each floor at least 30 centimetres (12 inches) away from any wall or light fitting at ceiling level.

• Make sure your detector has the British Standard Kitemark on it.

• If you have only one smoke alarm, fit it in a place where it can be heard throughout your home - particularly when you are asleep!

If you have a one-year smoke detector, test the battery once a week and change the battery annually. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service recommends 10-year tamper-free detectors fitted with push buttons. These are available from all DIY stores.